Choosing the right worktop for your kitchen isn’t just about looks — it’s about how it performs day to day. At Traditional Masonry in North Shields, we supply and install quartz, porcelain, and Dekton worktops for homes across North Tyneside, Newcastle, and surrounding areas. This guide will help you understand the key differences between these three popular materials so you can make the right choice for your kitchen and your lifestyle.
Quartz worktops – Reliable and low maintenance
Quartz is an engineered stone made from natural quartz mixed with resin. It’s non-porous, resistant to stains, and available in a wide range of colours and finishes.
If you cook regularly and want a surface that’s easy to clean and won’t soak up spills, quartz is a solid choice. It’s also consistent in appearance, making it ideal if you’re aiming for a clean, uniform look.
Best for: Busy households, everyday cooking, and kitchens where hygiene and ease of maintenance matter most.
➡️ Learn more about our quartz worktops
Porcelain worktops – Sleek and hard-wearing
Porcelain is made from refined clay and fired at very high temperatures. The result is a thin, tough material that stands up to heat, scratches, and UV exposure. It’s often used in modern kitchens and is also suitable for outdoor spaces.
Its strength-to-thickness ratio means it can look light and minimal while still being very robust. Porcelain is also available in finishes that replicate natural stone or concrete.
Best for: Minimal, modern kitchens; homes with indoor–outdoor spaces; and designs that favour a thin, clean edge.
➡️ Interested in porcelain? Explore options on our worktops page
Dekton worktops – ultra-durable and versatile
Dekton is a sintered stone made by blending raw materials under extreme pressure and heat. It’s highly resistant to heat, scratching, UV rays, and staining. This makes it suitable not only for kitchens but also for utility rooms and outdoor installations.
It comes in large slabs, which means fewer joins and a seamless finish — ideal for worktops, splashbacks, and islands.
Best for: High-use kitchens, professional-level cooking spaces, and anyone looking for a long-lasting worktop with minimal upkeep.
➡️ Ask us about Dekton worktops in North Shields for your next kitchen project.
Quartz vs Porcelain vs Dekton – A quick comparison
| Feature | Quartz | Porcelain | Dekton |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heat Resistance | Moderate | High | Excellent |
| Scratch Resistance | Good | Excellent | Excellent |
| UV Resistance | Moderate | High | High |
| Maintenance | Low | Low | Low |
| Thickness Options | Standard | Thin | Thin/Thick |
| Best For | Everyday use | Modern homes | Heavy use, outdoor kitchens |
So, which one is right for you?
Think about how you use your kitchen.
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Do you need something family-friendly and easy to clean? Quartz is ideal.
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Want a sleek, ultra-modern look? Porcelain gives you the style without compromising on strength.
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Need something that can handle heat, heavy use, or even outdoor conditions? Dekton is worth considering.
At Traditional Masonry, we’ll help you choose the right worktop based on how you use your space, not just what looks good in a showroom.
We are based in North Shields
We supply and fit quartz, porcelain, and Dekton worktops across North Shields, Tynemouth, Whitley Bay, Newcastle, and the wider North Tyneside area.
Our team handles everything from initial advice to final installation, making sure your worktop fits perfectly and performs as expected.
Opening times
🕒 Monday – Thursday: 8:30 am – 5:00 pm
🕒 Friday: 8:30 am – 4:00 pm
🕒 Saturday: 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
❌ Sunday: Closed
Get in touch
If you’re considering a new granite or quartz worktop, we’re happy to help.
📍 Location: North Shields, North Tyneside
📞 Call us: 0191 258 1540
🌐 Visit us: https://traditional-masonry.co.uk/contact-us/